|
An essay is a short written work on a single subject expressing a personal point of view. We use paragraphs to help our readers understand our message easier.
Each paragraph within an essay is a collection of related sentences dealing with one idea or topic of the subject. If you (the writer) find yourself moving away from that topic, start a new paragraph. The topic sentence of a paragraph must indicate what the paragraph is about. There are no set rules for its place, but for inexperienced writers, put it at or near the beginning of the paragraph. Every sentence in the paragraph must develop the topic sentence. Without it, the paragraph will veer off course and the reader will get lost.
To be effective, a paragraph needs to show that the topic has been developed adequately. There needs to be unity (a single focus) and coherence (easy to understand) within the paragraph. Sentences must follow one another in a logical pattern. If thoughts follow one another without sufficient connection, the essay will confuse the reader. Inexperienced writers often fail to construct effective paragraphs because they make an assertion without backing it up. If a statement is worth making, it is worth supporting in detail. Two or three sentences may not be enough to fully develop the topic. Aim for about 100-200 words and four to ten sentences in an academic essay.
Use pronouns (e.g. they, she, it, some) to refer to nouns in previous sentences and transition words to link ideas. Although the paragraphs in your essay will be self-contained, they must interlock effectively to produce a strong overall argument. Transitions both between and within paragraphs are essential because they signal changes in direction and help the reader follow those changes. Words like however, in addition, for example, although, whereas and finally tie sentences together effectively. As you develop your paragraph, you are collecting sentences that build upon your topic. Finally, include a closing sentence so that you don’t leave your readers hanging.
| 
